Industry reports come in a bewildering array of  shapes and sizes.  Some industry reports are written primarily for the investor class, others for management strategists and yet others for marketing professionals.  Some reports focus on small enterprises and others on multinationals.  The scope of industry reports vary significantly, with many corresponding to NAICs or SIC codes, others surveying broad industries from a macro perspective and yet others focusing on emerging niches or sectors not easily categorized.  What they all have in common is that they can bring their users up to date fast on the economic, demographic, regulatory and technological impacts on an industry.  The career conscious senior proceeds at her own peril if she chooses not to take advantage of the research and analysis in industry reports before interview season.

The library currently subscribes to the broad scoped S&P Industry Reports in NetAdvantage, Datamonitor,  BMI, and Freedonia reports via ReferenceUSA, BIZMiner especially for small start ups,  and Mintel for consumer goods & services sectors.  One would think these would adequately meet any serious student’s needs, but there are occasions when they don’t.  Hence we are offering campus wide trials for two additional industry report databases:  IBISWorld and Frost & Sullivan.

The library currently has trial access to IBIS World until March 7th.  “IBISWorld’s unrivalled range of industry analysis is available online [on campus] whenever you need it. Whether your company requires a better understanding of market conditions and forecasts; whether you need a clearer picture of a supply chain, or whether you need to keep abreast of competitor activity in your industry, IBISWorld’s comprehensive reports will keep you informed.”

Additionally we have a trial to Frost & Sullivan’s research.  Go to Member Logon and enter email address: user@villanova.edu and password:  password.   “Frost & Sullivan provides in-depth research coverage of these industries: Aerospace & Defense; Automotive & Transportation; Chemicals, Materials and Food; Electronics & Security; Energy & Power Supplies; Environment & Building Technologies; Healthcare; Industrial Automation & Process Control; Information & Communication Technologies; Measurement & Instrumentation.”

Let me know what you think, by taking this very short survey.